Ultimate fire pit

ABSTRACT

A unique outdoor fire pit that facilitates safe usage on deck surfaces.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to the field of outdoor accessories, andmore specifically to the field of domestic fire pits.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The prior art has put forth several designs for domestic fire pits.Among these are:

US Patent 2003/0075166 to Henry Glass describes a free standing fire pitcomprising a base support member that holds the fire pit in an uprightposition. The base support member is fully enclosed about its peripheryby a meshed screen to prevent sparks or other combustible debris frominadvertently exiting the fire pit. An access opening is disposed on thescreen to provide user access to the fire pit enclosure. A middle gratehaving a cooking grill is removably mounted to pivot about an axis ofrotation adjacent and contiguous to the access opening of the screen.The fire pit is containable within an attractive chimenea providingoutside warmth and providing a removable grill for cooking purposes.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,868,942 to Lewis Almor describes a barbecue pitapparatus. It comprises a metallic drum that has been cut out to provideappropriate apertures for inserting a grill apparatus upon which meat orother food is grilled. The grill apparatus is readily removable forinsertion of coals and igniting articles such as lighter fluid, twigs orpaper. The apparatus further includes a stack which has an entry withinthe chamber of the barbecue pit above the rack holding the food. Theapparatus also includes a sliding vent apparatus which enters into theaforementioned chamber below the rack holding the food and near thelower or bottom portion of coals inserted therein for cooking purposes.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,699,876 to Clarence E. Ellis describes a common casingencloses an ash pit and grate for a pit type barbecue cooker and anoverhead pan for drippings or for the support of charcoal when thedevice is utilized as an outdoor charcoal grill. An adjustable grillrack is mounted in the casing above the pan and an adjustable stack withdamper in the top of the casing allows smoke from a wood fire to becirculated across food on the grill rack.

None of these prior art references describe the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a unique outdoorfire pit that facilitates safe usage on deck surfaces.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a prototypical diagonal view showing the present invention andits noncombustible platform that reflects heat and provides warmth foruser's feet.

FIG. 2 is a prototypical diagonal view showing the easily accessibledoors for adding fire burning materials such as wood and paper.

FIG. 3 is a prototypical front view showing a trap door that is locatedunderneath the present invention and permits easy removal of ashes.

FIG. 4 is a prototypical diagonal top down view showing a top handlethat easily twists on and off to allow smoke to be released from achimney that also is removable for cleaning

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Outdoor living remains one of the fastest growing segments ofresidential construction. As homeowners look to extend living andentertainment spaces without greatly impacting budgets, they arechoosing to build formal outdoor spaces. Buyers and homeowners aredemanding more sophisticated features that serve their needs year round.This trend is evidenced by the growing popularity of outdoor specificappliances, covered patios and decks, and fire pits. Indeed, the latterhas enjoyed a boon in acceptance in recent years, as little enhancescamaraderie and conversation more than spending a pleasantly crisp fallevening gathered around a controlled roaring fire. The fire pit crazestarted about a decade ago with a chimenea, which is a simple clay woodburning fireplace. Fire pit options then exploded with offerings frominexpensive wood burning models to very expensive and artsy high octanepits that use natural gas or propane. The majority of current fire pitoptions present several drawbacks to creating a completely relaxingambiance. As the fire burns, uncontained smoke emanating from the flamesbillows out and tends to envelope revelers. Fire pit configurations areinconducive to easy cleaning, as homeowners must physically scoop outpiles of ash residue before each use. Portable fire pits are configuredas low lying pits that are usable only on ground or concrete surfaceswhich precludes deck owners from enjoying the benefits of a soothingfire while entertaining or simply relaxing on their outdoor decks.

The present invention, hereinafter referred to as the Ultimate Fire Pit,is an improved outdoor fire pit for home use that comprises a chimneyfor better smoke distribution, an ash catcher and a raised reflectivebase platform. The Ultimate Fire Pit provides outdoor enthusiasts withan extremely safe and user friendly fire pit that is functionallyenjoyable on deck areas. A self-contained portable heater, the presentinvention is compact and circular in shape.

Constructed of a durable metal material, the present invention measuresapproximately forty eight inches in height and twenty eight inches incircumference. The top of the Ultimate Fire Pit is comprised of atapered, removable chimney assembly containing a fluted egress thatconcentrates smoke distribution up and away from the pit. Below thechimney area, the body of the Ultimate Fire Pit is fabricated of adurable mesh material for keeping the fire contained while stillproviding the benefits of an open pit. Centrally positioned on bothsides of the body component are easy access doors that allows for theaddition of combustibles such as wood or paper.

With an ornamental elliptical motif at its base, the Ultimate Fire Pitresides above a four legged platform which is topped with a grate, anash collection bin and a connecting trap door. The grate measuresapproximately twenty four inches in diameter. Approximately one quarterof an inch separates each horizontal slot on the grate, allowing ash andsmall embers to fall into a collection bin directly below the grate.Accessible by a connecting trap door, the collection bin functionseffectively in making ash removal endeavors much easier and less timeconsuming. The underside of the Ultimate Fire Pit's raised base platformis augmented with a noncombustible material that is able to reflect heatfrom the surfaces of decks without scorching or otherwise damaging deckboards. Attractive as well as practical, the Ultimate Fire Pit ismanufactured in a variety of colors and styles to appeal to personaltastes or to match any outdoor decorative motif.

The Ultimate Fire Pit functionally provides outdoor lovers with theoptimal convenience of an open fire pit with an incorporated chimney toeliminate constantly breathing in potentially dangerous smoke. TheUltimate Fire Pit's grate and trap door system allows users to removeall collected cooled ash residue in one fell swoop. The raised platformof the Ultimate Fire Pit is configured to be used on deck platformsexpressly built for entertaining and relaxing. The reflective base ofthe present invention improves heat distribution over an entire deckarea, ensuring everyone gathered is toasty warm as the fire burns.Compact and portable, the Ultimate Fire Pit allows campers to easilypack and transport a heat source along with standard camping equipment.Made of durable, high quality materials and components, this productwill withstand years of continued use.

Although this invention has been described with respect to specificembodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and variousmodifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skillin the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of theinvention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings and the appended claim.

1. A fire pit comprising: a top with a chimney portion; supports forsupporting the top above a base; and a heat reflective platform belowthe base.
 2. A fire pit as in claim 1 wherein: the top is removable. 3.A fire pit as in claim 1 wherein: the chimney portion has a flutedegress.
 4. A fire pit as in claim 1 wherein: the base has two or morelegs.
 5. A fire pit as in claim 4 wherein: the legs are fixed to theheat reflective platform.
 6. A fire pit as in claim 1 furthercomprising: a mesh between the top and base; and a door in the mesh.